PlantFiles: Powderpuff, Red Calliandra, Kaliandra
Calliandra calothyrsus

We planted Calliandra seed two years ago and now have some very nice young plants, still in medium pots. The plant is particularly nice since it has the most interesting flowers - shaggy red powderpuffs preceded by the most interesting button-like buds. They have bloomed almost continously for several months. The foliage itself is worthy - the new leaves are a pinky-gold, darkening to a good dark green. The mature leaves are cleft, reminiscent of Bauhinia.

This small tree grows very slowly. It is not over used in Puerto Rico where I live.. One important aspect to have one in your garden, is that there are no leaves, seeds or dry flowers to collect, therefore it will not ruin your pavement if there is one. The beauty can be observed in any photo.

This Central American tropical tree is actually grown in Asia more than in America- fast growing tree used for firewood and soil improvement/stabilization. This is a beautiful landscaping tree for the warmer areas of the US (coast So Cal- I can't grow this tree). It has large, red powder-puff flowers typical of many Caliandras.